Patrilineality: Making Up For Time We Lost

by Melody Song

Act 2 Chapter 16: The Day After

Act Two
Chapter 16: The Day After

Metamorphosis smiled as he left his room. He flicked his red tail and peeked into Pharynx’s room. He smiled at the sight before him.

Pharynx was cuddled up in bed. He held Night Fury but was alone, and clearly sleeping peacefully. Metamorphosis trotted over and nosed him gently.

“Pharynx? Come on, get up.”

“Fi’ more minutes…”

Metamorphosis chuckled and used his magic to pull the blankets off him. “Now, you silly nymph.”

“Mmngh… no’ a nymph…”

“Well you’re sleeping like one.” Metamorphosis chuckled

“Huh…?” Pharynx sat up, yawning. “What d’you mean?”

Metamorphosis smiled and nuzzled him. “You were sound asleep. You didn’t come to either me or Thorax last night.”

“Y-You’re right…” Pharynx got up, stretching. “I-I didn’t have a single nightmare either.”

Metamorphosis hugged him, smiling. “That’s wonderful Pharynx.”

“Yeah yeah…” Pharynx struggled out of his grip.

“Heh, alright. Let’s go find Thorax, okay? Do you know where he might be?”

Pharynx sighed. “Well, it’s morning, he doesn’t have anything scheduled for the day, so… the nursery. Let’s go.”

Metamorphosis beamed as Pharynx led the way out of the room. He was very glad to see Pharynx was back to his normal self. He trotted happily beside his son, and soon, they reached the nursery.

“Thorax? You in here?” Pharynx asked, poking his head in.

“Pharynx!”

Thorax trotted out of the nursery, a few nymphs clinging to him. One was lime green, another was a light lavender color, and another was a rosy pinkish-red. All three were males, and hopped off obediently as Thorax left the nursery.

“Aww, hello cuties!” Metamorphosis reached to scoop up the lavender nymph. “What’s your name little one?”

“V-Viorel…” the nymph whispered, snuggling into him.

“Hello Viorel.” Metamorphosis nuzzled him. “I’m Metamorphosis.”

“H-Hi…” Viorel hugged him, then opened his wings and fluttered back down to his friends. He nuzzled one, the rose pink-red nymph, then they ran back into the nursery.

“Heh, I see you’re awake Pharynx.” Thorax hugged him. “No nightmares?”

“Thorax!” Pharynx protested. He glanced around, then lowered his voice. “Y-Yeah… no nightmares.”

“Oh, yes! I’m so happy for you!” Thorax nuzzled him.

“Alright, alright, let go!” Pharynx shoved him.

Metamorphosis chuckled. He was very happy to see his sons like this. They still acted like nymphs at times, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Thorax finally released Pharynx, then looked to Metamorphosis.

“So, have you two eaten yet?”

“Heh, no, not yet.” Metamorphosis said, just as Thorax’s stomach growled. He chuckled. “And it sounds like you haven’t either.”

“Heheh… no…” Thorax blushed sheepishly. “I just had to say good morning to these cute little ones first, and…”

“I understand.” Metamorphosis smiled and nuzzled Thorax. “Come on, let’s get breakfast.”

Thorax nodded and they headed off. They reached the cafeteria fairly quickly, and after getting food from the counter, they headed for their table. Metamorphosis sat beside Pharynx, Thorax on Pharynx’s other side.

“So you really didn’t have any bad dreams Phar?”

“I already told you no.”

“Just making sure.” Thorax replied hastily.

Pharynx rolled his eyes, biting into the Prench toast he’d selected. Metamorphosis smiled and slipped a hoof around him.

“Well, I’m very glad that you’re doing better. I… honestly expected you to have a nightmare, after all that happened yesterday.”

Pharynx scoffed. “Please dad, have a bit more faith in me. I’m tougher than that.”

Thorax chuckled. “Phar, while the nightmares were happening you crawled into bed with me every other night.”

“Sh-Shut up Thorax.” Pharynx grunted, then seemed to remember something, and smirked. “Besides, I like to think of it as returning the favor.”

“Huh? What are you talking abou-ohh…” Thorax blushed.

“Heh, Pharynx, what are you talking about?” Metamorphosis asked, sensing a story behind the remark.

Pharynx smirked. “Well…”

“O-Oh, I don’t think knowing that is necessary-”

“You see dad, back in the Old Days, when we were nymphs, Lil’ Thorax over there used to have nightmares. He was also afraid of pretty much everything that ‘goes bump in the night’ as I’ve heard ponies put it. Because of that, whenever he got scared, he’d scream and run over, then huddle beside me until eventually passing out. Whether from fear or just being tired I could never tell.”

Metamorphosis couldn’t help but let out a chuckle in the expense of his now blushing son. Pharynx chuckled and nudged Thorax teasingly.

“Pharynx…” Thorax moaned

“Oh come on, it’s not like you haven’t done more embarrassing things than that.”

Thorax still groaned, and Metamorphosis gave him a sympathetic pat on the back. Pharynx just laughed softly.

“Look at it this way son, at least Pharynx is feeling more like himself enough to tease you.”

“I guess…” Thorax sighed

“Oh please, that’s not even the most embarrassing story I could tell. I’ve got a whole bunch of them!” Pharynx exclaimed, pausing to take a bite of his food.

“Oh?” Metamorphosis asked.

“Mhm. Hey, dad, did I tell you about the hitting yourself game?”

“Hm… no, I don’t believe so.”

“Oh no, not that one-”

“Well, it all starts back when we were nymphs. Every young changeling wanted to be a warrior. Everyling except Thorax, that is. He was a little weak. But I had to protect my little brother, of course…”

As Pharynx launched into the story, Thorax faceplanted onto the table with an embarrassed moan. Metamorphosis chuckled and stood, sitting between Pharynx and Thorax instead to rub Thorax’s back in comfort as he listened.

“Something tells me that this is going to be a long day…” Thorax muttered

Metamorphosis laughed softly. He watched Pharynx silently, smiling where appropriate and proud that his son had bounced back so quickly. Metamorphosis knew Pharynx likely was still a little shaken, but was glad he was feeling more like his usual self again. Ready to snark and tease and be a true big brother to Thorax.

Metamorphosis smiled widely as he listened to Pharynx tell the “hitting yourself” story. He couldn’t help but feel that everything was as it should be. Yes, everything was going to be just fine.

Author's Note:

And Act 2 has started! On Christmas too! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

~Melody Song

Comments

[CitreneSkys]

Aww, tats cute

[Melody Song]

10637635
Yep! On to Act 2!